Monash alumnus named Australian of the Year

February 2007

Tim Flannery (MSc 1981) was recently named Australian of the Year 2007, the first Monash University graduate to have received this honour.

Professor Flannery is an internationally acclaimed writer, scientist, environmentalist and explorer. He has published more than 130 scientific papers and his books include world-wide bestseller The Weather Makers: The History & Future Impact of Climate Change.

Vice-Chancellor Richard Larkins said that Professor Flannery’s achievement was thoroughly deserved recognition for his leadership, research and advocacy.

“The Monash community – including staff, students and alumni – will draw great pride from this appointment. It certainly reminds us that Monash is a university that educates future leaders across many disciplines,” Professor Larkins said.

“I am sure that this honour will bring more attention to Professor Flannery’s work and the issues he champions. I think it also reflects the growing acceptance that Australia, and the world, must act today to prevent the catastrophic potential of global warming and climate change.”

Professor Flannery is currently Adjunct Professor in the Division of Environmental and Life Sciences at Macquarie University. A concise version of his bestseller, appropriate for younger readers, was launched late last year – We are the weather makers: The story of Global Warming.

Links:

Tim Flannery’s profile on the Monash prominent alumni page
“We are the weather makers” feature article on Tim Flannery in the Spring/Summer 2006 edition of Monash Magazine